Narrative Medicine (MS)

The Narrative Medicine MS degree offered by the USC Keck School of Medicine integrates narrative theory, practical experience and research methods to focus on the ethical implications of storytelling for individual/community wellness and the healthcare system. Students will be trained in narrative medicine methods of close reading, attentive listening and reflective writing in the service of community outreach and professional development. Training in this field will enhance the work of practicing and future clinicians (physicians, social workers, nurses, physician assistants, psychotherapists, occupational and physical therapists, speech pathologists, etc.), and provide support for mid-career professionals seeking to transition into teaching or service. Individuals pursuing careers in journalism, film, the non-profit sector, humanitarian leadership, social justice and community organizing, as well as those planning to apply to PhD programs in the humanities and social sciences, will develop the tools for creating boundary-crossing initiatives that address real-world problems in community health care. A cornerstone of this unique programming is USC’s partnership with local non-profit outreach groups. Students in the Narrative Medicine MS program will have the opportunity to teach and learn from community partners about the relationship between health and narrative, and will become more adept at offering solutions that recognize the intersection between the biomedical, behavioral and health system sciences, and issues of healthcare equity and social justice.

Satisfactory Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

Advisement

The program recommends that students meet with an academic adviser of the program each semester prior to registration.

Unit Requirement

A minimum of 32 units of graduate-level course work is required.